Precept Austin

1 John 1 Resources

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INDEX FOR ALL VERSES ON 1 JOHN

1 John 1:1
1 John 1:2
1 John 1:3
1 John 1:4
1 John 1:5
1 John 1:6
1 John 1:7
1 John 1:8
1 John 1:9
1 John 1:10

CRITIQUE OF ONLINE
RESOURCES ON 1 JOHN

COMMENTARIES AND
OTHER RESOURCES ON 1 JOHN
ARCHIVE.ORG

Explanation - The following list includes not only commentaries but other Christian works by well known evangelical writers. Most of the resources below are newer works (written after 1970) which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) most do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/contact. The resources are listed in alphabetical order by the author's last name and some include reviews of the particular resource. 

COMMENTARIES ON
1 JOHN

Note: Not in any particular order.

The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible : New Testament, King James Version 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation. - Helpful notes. 

The Letters of John : an Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) by Stott, John R. W (1988) 244 pages. 89 ratings

Tim Challies - John Stott is always an able commentator and his volume in the TNTC is no exception. Carson praises it as “one of the most useful conservative commentaries on these epistles, so far as the preacher is concerned” and says “it is packed with both exegetical comments and thoughtful application.” The TNTC is targeted squarely at a general audience, so both pastors and interesting general readers will find it tremendously beneficial. If you are looking for a commentary to guide you as you read John’s epistles devotionally, this is probably the one you want.

Robert Yost - This volume, which was revised in 1988, is one of the finest offerings in the TNTC series. Stott, an Anglican and one of the elder statesmen of the evangelical world in the twentieth century has written an outstanding commentary that, in spite of its age, has continued to hold its own alongside other more recent works. Any book written by Stott is worth obtaining. Age has not tarnished its luster. This is a nontechnical work that can be used by both pastors and laypersons. “A beautiful blending of Bible teaching and practical theology” (Barber, 182). “One of the most useful conservative commentaries on these epistles, so far as the preacher is concerned” (Carson, 154).

James Rosscup - Here is a recent lucid, stimulating work by a gifted writer who has served as rector of the All Souls (Anglican) Church, Langham Place, London. Several New Testament scholars have hailed it as an outstanding commentary from the standpoint of exegesis, exposition and warm application. It was listed among 22 “Choice Evangelical Books of 1964” in Christianity Today (February 12, 1965, p. 16). Stott displays a vast breadth of reading in the best conservative works on the Johannine epistles. This 1988 version updates the 1964 original.

Sam Storms review - This is far and away the best commentary that Stott has written on any NT book. It is also the first commentary that I would recommend for the student to purchase. It was revised and expanded in 1988 to take into account more recent studies of the Johannine literature. Although he interacts with the Greek text, this commentary is accessible to students of the English Bible as well. Get it!**

 The Epistles of John in The New International Commentary on the New Testament - I Howard Marshall 

Sam Storms - 1978. Marshall writes from an Arminian perspective. His commentary is second only to Stott for evangelical readers. It is thorough and always fair in its treatment of controversial issues. Highly recommended.*

John Cereghin (Baptist Pastor) - Simply written and ably brings together a good deal of previous scholarship without getting bogged down in minutiae. This is a very good commentary.

Robert Yost - This commentary is a very fine treatment of these epistles by the senior lecturer in NT exegesis at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, and one of the finest NT scholars of the twentieth century. Marshall’s approach is scholarly, but also accessible to the nonspecialist. An excellent effort! “Keen ability to follow the thought of a book and articulate it with clarity” (Rosscup, 331). “Much … value to the preacher. The book is simply written and ably brings together a good deal of previous scholarship without getting bogged down in minutiae.… A very good commentary” (Carson, 153). “Characterized by careful augmentation, balanced judgment, and clear and understandable presentation of current scholarly discussions and of complex exegetical issues” (Bauer, 387). Arminian.

Cyril Barber (page 62) - New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1978. An extensive introduction that adequately surveys the historical and textual background of these letters is followed by a careful exposition of John's epistles in the order in which they were written. Provides interested readers with a complete and satisfying treatment.

James Rosscup - Like Ryrie and Stott, Marshall has keen ability to follow the thought of a book and articulate it with clarity. He often is helpful on stating views gleaned from the literature and is up-to-date. His use of the Greek, good footnotes, and detail on many of the problem verses make this a very good evangelical commentary by one of the best New Testament scholars in the British Isles (ca. 2001 he retired from being head of the New Testament Department at King’s College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland).

Epistles of John & Jude : a self-study guide by Jensen, Irving

The Gospel and epistles of John 160 pages, 1970. F F Bruce 

John Cereghin (Baptist Pastor) - A brief, popular exposition. Defends apostolic authorship (15); gives a short introduction (25-33); holds that the words "world" and "life" are key words of John (36); stresses the role of Christ as Advocate (49); teaches the coming of a future Antichrist (67ff); has a note rejecting the authenticity of the passage on the three heavenly witnesses (129-130).

Sam Storms - This is one of the first commentaries on John's letters that I read. As always, Bruce is precise in his explanation of issues. It is brief but worthy of your study.

The Epistles of John : [an expositional commentary] - Boice, James Montgomery. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979.

Sam Storms review - This commentary is based on Boice's sermons. Although not a detailed interaction with the text, it is theologically and homiletically helpful.

Robert Yost - This well-written and informative volume is a popular compilation of expositions of the text by a noted Presbyterian pastor. This commentary is very helpful for the pastor or general reader. Reformed.

The Johannine Epistles : based on the Revised Standard version by Grayston, Kenneth

Cyril Barber - New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1984. Following a brief but adequate introduction, Grayson reappraises Johannine scholarship, and though some of his views differ from those of others who have written on these epistles, readers are nevertheless treated to a discussion that is spiritually stimulating and culturally apropos.

Sam Storms review - Like most volumes in this series, this one is brief but helpful.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1994 edition - Abridged - New Testament

Sam Storms review - Barker, G. W. 1 John, 2 John, 3 John. The Expositor's Bible Commentary, vol. 12. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981. This is an evangelical and conservative treatment of the Johannine epistles that is designed for those without a knowledge of Greek. It tends to be too brief at times.

The Interpretation of the Epistles of St. Peter, St. John and St. Jude - R C H Lenski (excellent Lutheran commentator)

Robert Yost - “Aims to force the student to think through the Greek text and stimulate exegetical rigor, but his grasp of Greek is mechanical, amateurish, and without respect for the fluidity of Greek in the Hellenistic period. The series is marred by a militant or even angry tone in defense of orthodox Lutheranism” (Carson, 24). To be fair, I purchased this set and used it extensively during my seminary years and found it quite useful and of great help in exegesis. It was my shield at my right hand during my years of Greek study. Lutheran. Amillennial.

1-3 John by Thompson, Marianne Meye -- see below

James Rosscup - A lucid 168-pp., crisp exposition with some application in a flow for popular, general use. In a number of verses the book helps, at others it frustrates due to passing by views and reasons, or lacks sufficient comments. Much generalizing leaves an impression that in order to be seen as saved one must live an ideally perfect life (cf. 43), yet at other points one reads that Christians sin (45). The work has a healthy clarity that real grace, distinct from cheap so-called (but not genuine) grace (51) elicits confession of sin and seeking obedience to God. Such a life with God helps one’s assurance to be a properly experienced reality, as in 2:3 (51), even this by grace. Some statements are quite helpful, as “righteous conduct does not make us God’s children. Rather, such conduct is the consequence or expression of a relationship that already exists” after rebirth (87). Many issues are left in a blur, for instance “God’s seed remains” (3:9).

Sam Storms review - Although brief and non-technical, Thompson has helpful insights. It is not as good, however, as Stott or Marshall.

The Epistles of John by Hobbs, Herschel H

The Bible Exposition Commentary or Bible Exposition Commentary - Ephesians through Revelation  -  Warren Wiersbe

Rosscup - One of America’s most appreciated staunchly evangelical Bible conference teachers gives diligent, refreshing expositions. These are all of his 23 separate, earlier books in the “Be” series on the New Testament. He strikes a particular appeal with lay people as he crystallizes sections, deals with some of the verses, handles certain problems and backgrounds and applies principles. He is premillennial.

The letters of John the Apostle : an in-depth commentary by Burdick, Donald W

James Rosscup - This is far more detailed in getting at issues than his Everyman’s Commentary effort of 1970. It is a diligent conservative product on Greek syntax, word meaning and theology, and follows the line of thought through the epistles well. The introduction (pp. 3–92) takes up the background, authorship, date, place, recipients, occasion, purpose, character and content of I John. Later, he also has introductions to II and III John. He believes that I John gives grounds for assurance, tests of practice that can provide valid assurance (cf. pp. 81–82). Though copious in aspects of grammar that open up the books, Burdick is more lucid than Westcott’s helpful exegetical work of the past, and certainly one of the best now on the Greek. At some points one ought to go to longer discussions of views and issues in Brown, and also consult Brooke, Marshall, Plummer, Smalley, and Strecker etc. on technical matters, Marshall and Smalley also for more on studies of recent years.

Cyril Barber - Written for lay people. This work is designed to lay bare the meaning of John's letters for his own time and ours as well. Clear and cogent.

The Epistles of John by Burdick, Donald W

James Rosscup - A part of the Everyman’s Bible Commentary series, this work by a careful evangelical New Testament scholar from Denver Seminary is quite perceptive on problems and good as a brief commentary.

Sam Storms review - This volume is similar in approach and perspective to Hiebert. Very helpful.

John Cereghin (Baptist pastor) - A careful exposition with an analysis of the ascending stages, or spiral, in John's thought. The writer sees John's basic purpose in writing as being to develop a correct view of Christ will result in a life of love and righteousness. Good for Bible study classes. ! 1985 (different than above). Not to be overlooked although not always to be trusted. Almost 500 pages, it attempts to offer exegesis of the Greek text, theological comment, present-day application and some comment on structure. But beware: its approach to Greek somehow manages to be simultaneously painstaking and mechanical, partly because the work is linguistically uninformed. The style is a bit stodgy.

1, 2, 3 John : Bible study commentary by Vaughan, Curtis

The Epistles of John by Marshall, I. Howard, author

James Rosscup - Like Ryrie and Stott, Marshall has keen ability to follow the thought of a book and articulate it with clarity. He often is helpful on stating views gleaned from the literature and is up-to-date. His use of the Greek, good footnotes, and detail on many of the problem verses make this a very good evangelical commentary by one of the best New Testament scholars in the British Isles (ca. 2001 he retired from being head of the New Testament Department at King’s College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland).

Sam Storms review - Marshall writes from an Arminian perspective. His commentary is second only to Stott for evangelical readers. It is thorough and always fair in its treatment of controversial issues. Highly recommended.*

Cyril Barber - An extensive introduction that adequately surveys the historical and textual background of these letters is followed by a careful exposition of John's epistles in the order in which they were written. Provides interested readers with a complete and satisfying treatment.

1, 2, 3 John -   Morris, Leon. “New Bible Commentary Revised, ed. D. Guthrie et al. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1970.

The Gospel according to St. John : Schnackenburg, Rudolf 

Sam Storms review - Translated by Reginald and Ilse Fuller. New York: Crossroad, 1992. Schnackenburg is deep and technical, somewhat liberal, but worth digging into for detailed exegetical insights on the Greek text and theologically important matters.

1, 2, and 3 John by Johnson, Thomas Floyd - New International Biblical Commentary

James Rosscup - Johnson identifies the writer of the Gospel of John as “The disciple whom Jesus loved” (20:20, 24), but sees these epistles as by an “elder,” a different man (2). The concise verse comments are usually clear and well-reasoned, showing the idea of the Greek with Greek words transliterated, and with explanations of word meaning and grammar. Sections of added notes in smaller print take up some details. Some problems receive discussion, some are bypassed, in the latter category limited or unlimited atonement in I John 2:2, or interpretations of 2:12–14, or 5:16 (where much is not explained or not explained well). True, the commentary quite often is helpful, but uneven, and not one of the better all-around works one can more consistently count on.

Sam Storms review - This series is generally evangelical but brief in scope.

The message of John's letters : living in the love of God by Jackman, David

Cyril Barber - Relates the message of these letters to the moral issues and theological climate of John's day. Builds upon Stott's cyclical (or spiral) theme of the content of the first letter, and treats the other letters as emphasizing truth and love. A noteworthy contribution.

Sam Storms review - Although I have not used this commentary much, most in the BST series are evangelical in theology and quite helpful.

The Epistles of John : Strauss, Lehman - devotional commentary

1, 2, 3 John by Smalley, Stephen S - Word Biblical Commentary

James Rosscup - This ranks high with Brown, Burdick and Marshall in recent years. Smalley is excellent in helping the reader be up on views and arguments from recent years, drawn from massive research, and is second only to Brown in this regard. He is usually quite full in discussing issues so that he offers much help on verses, and does so with clarity, directness and confidence. He delves into changes in tense, many of the syntactical aspects, and doctrine. He sees the author of II and III John as John the presbyter, a Christian in the Johannine circle, and this same man may also have written I John, all in the A. D. 90’s. Smalley often makes good choices on views, and tends to give definite reasons for them. He sees charisma (2:20, 27) as both the Spirit and the Word; 3:4–10 relates to a potential state without sin, but in practice Christians do sin (1:8–2:2). Sin in 5:16–17 is apostasy, willful disobedience, etc. He is not clear on whether the saved can lose salvation.

Robert Yost - This volume is a moderately conservative offering in the uneven WBC series by the Canon Residentiary and Precentor of Coventry Cathedral in England. Smalley is a Johannine scholar who has provided particularly good bibliographies at the beginning of each major section according to the series’ protocol. This commentary was revised in 2007. “At his best when he is summarizing and interacting with the positions of others” (Carson, 152).

Cyril Barber - This is a scholarly work that is well deserving of careful reading. Following a thorough introduction (pp. xvii-xxxiv), Smalley treats his readers to a word-byword or phrase-by-phrase exposition. His comments are judicious as well as insightful. This volume, for all its merit, shares the limitations of the series. It is well researched and exegetically helpful but manifests a weakness in treating the theme of these letters and fails to complete what has been begun by applying the teaching of the passage to the life of the reader

Sam Storms review - Smalley's volume is excellent and is designed for those with a working knowledge of Greek. It is generally evangelical in approach and is especially helpful in presenting detailed arguments both pro and con on controversial issues.*

Exploring 1, 2, 3 John by Vines, Jerry

Cyril Barber - This work will be warmly received by Bible students of all persuasions. Vines deals admirably with the theme of each of John's letters. The way in which he has outlined, illustrated, and expounded each section makes his application of the truth to life easy to grasp. Recommended.

The Epistles of John by Brown, Raymond Edward

James Rosscup - Many rate this as the best work on these epistles in view of its extensive discussion of issues and the skill in which the famous Roman Catholic scholar handles so many aspects. He is highly-informed exegetically, full in consideration of views and lines of reasoning, and has a tone of respect for the truthfulness and relevance of the message. If the expositor, teacher or lay person wants a commentary that looks at just about every side of a matter in a readable manner and with authoritative grasp of the literature, he will consult this work. The same is true of Brown’s detailed commentary on the Gospel of John. Brown, however, will not always agree with a reader’s convictions, as when he favors John the Presbyter as the author. The sheer length will not please some, but the diligent and serious will find the source very useful.

Robert Yost - The author, like Schnackenburg, is a highly respected Roman Catholic Johannine scholar who has produced a major work on John’s gospel. This work shows that he has leaned a bit to the left since publishing the gospel commentary over a decade earlier. “The exegetical comments are often incisive” (Carson, 152).

Cyril Barber - Meticulous in detail, exhaustive in analysis, persuasive in argument, this study provides the best answers available to questions and controversies that have troubled scholars and non-scholars alike ever since these epistles first saw the light of day. In addition to the superb analysis, Brown also brings to life those to whom these letters were sent, reminding us that the epistles were written by a person for real people of the first century A.D. A model of biblical study

Sam Storms - This volume is by one of the leading Catholic scholars of our day. It is deep and detailed and has become the standard by which all other commentaries on John's letters are judged.*

Life at its Best 1 John by Roy l. Laurin

Cyril Barber - First published in 1957, this work provides lay readers with a commendable application of the text to the needs of Christians today. Practical.

Open letter to Evangelicals by R.E.O. White

James Rosscup - A Baptist minister presents both a commentary with occasional deep insight and some penetrating applications to spiritual life, ethics, and other particulars. It is a verse-by-verse devotional and homiletical exposition which sometimes deals with problems including the difficult passage in 1 Jn 3:4–10.

STUDY BIBLES, ETC.

KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective. Pre-millennial.  User reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users. - 372 ratings

Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective   user reviews 

The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.

The King James Study Bible Second Edition 2240 pages (2013) (Thomas Nelson) General Editor - Edward Hindson with multiple contributing editors. . 3,194 ratings. Pre-millennial. See introduction on How to Use this Study Bible.

NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Earl D Radmacher; Ronald Barclay Allen; Wayne H House. 2345 pages. (1997, 2007). Very helpful notes. Conservative. Pre-millennial.  917 ratings

The Wycliffe Bible Commentary - only the New Testament (for OT see below to borrow) - 1126 pages. (1971) Everett F Harrison - Editor of New Testament. Uses the KJV.  Strictly speaking not a study Bible, but short notes are similar. KJV text in left column, commentary notes in right column. The comments are generally verse by verse, short, conservative and to the point. Pre-millennial.

Zondervan NIV Study Bible - (2011) 2570 pages  - Use this one if available as it has more notes than edition below. One hour limit

NIV Study Bible by Barker, Kenneth L; Burdick, Donald W (1995) 2250 pages. This is the first edition. This resource has been fully revised in 2020. One hour limit 

Believer's Bible Commentary - OT and NT - MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages. Conservative. Literal. Often has very insightful comments. John MacArthur, says "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen." Warren Wiersbe adds "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word." One hour limit.

Rosscup - This work, originally issued in 1983, is conservative and premillennial, written to help teachers, preachers and people in every walk of life with different views, explanation and application. The 2-column format runs verse by verse for the most part, usually in a helpfully knowledgeable manner, and there are several special sections such as “Prayer” in Acts and “Legalism” in Galatians. The premillennial view is evident on Acts 1:6, 3:20, Romans 11:26, Galatians 6:16, Revelation 20, etc.

HCSB Study Bible : Holman Christian Standard Bible - General Editor Jeremy Royal Howard (2010) 2360 pages. Conservative. Good notes. Include Holmans excellent maps. One hour limit

Life Application Study Bible: Old Testament and New Testament: New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes especially with application of texts. 4,445 ratings One hour limit

The MacArthur Study Bible - John MacArthur. Brief but well done notes for conservative, literal perspective. 1,275 ratings

ESV study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 6,004 ratings

The David Jeremiah Study Bible - (2013) 2208 pages. 2,272 ratings Logos.com - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."

Wycliffe Bible Commentary - Charles Pfeiffer - 1560 pages (1962). 214 ratings Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary. Conservative. Notes are generally verse by verse but brief. 

Rosscup - Conservative and premillennial scholars here have been experts in their fields. The work contains brief introductions and attempts to give a verse-by-verse exposition, though it does skip over some verses. The treatments vary with the authors, but as a whole it is a fine one-volume commentary for pastors and students to use or give to a layman. Outstanding sections include, for example: Whitcomb on Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther; Culver on Daniel; Ladd on Acts; Harrison on Galatians; Johnson on I Corinthians; and Ryrie on the Johannine Epistles.

The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes by well known creationist. 45 ratings 

New Bible Commentary - (1994) See user reviews

Compact Bible commentary by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H Wayne, et al - 954 pages.  424 ratings Multiple contributors to the comments which are often verse by verse. The comments are brief but meaty and can really help your study through a given book. A sleeper in my opinion. 

The Experiencing God Study Bible: the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! Read some of the 48 ratings

Disciple's study Bible: New international version 54 ratings Not that helpful for verse by verse study. Focuses on application of Christian doctrines. 10,000 annotations; doctrinal summaries, "Life Helps" section relate doctrine to everyday discipleship. 

The Living Insights Study Bible : New International Version - Charles Swindoll. Notes are good but somewhat sparse and not verse by verse.

The Apologetics Study Bible Understand Why You Believe by Norman Geisler

NIV archaeological study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 950 ratings (See also Archaeology and the Bible - OT and NT)

NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)

The Holman illustrated study Bible 120 ratings Includes the excellent Holman maps but otherwise of little help in serious study.

Zondervan King James Version commentary - New Testament

NIV Celebrate Recovery Study Bible

Daily Study Bible for Women : New Living Translation

The Woman's Study Bible : the New King James Version

The Study Bible for Women : Holman Christian Standard Bible

Daily Study Bible for Men : New Living Translation

NIV Topical Study Bible : New International Version

The Ryrie Study Bible - Charles Ryrie (1978) 2142 pages. Conservative.  216 ratings

The Hebrew-Greek key study Bible : New American standard study by Strong, James, 1822-1894; Zodhiates, Spiros

The New Inductive Study Bible : updated New American Standard Bible - Introductions of each book give suggestions how to perform an inductive study on that specific book. Not strictly speaking a "study Bible" with notes but a Bible to help you study inductively. Has wide margins for making notes. This is one that works best in "paper," not digitally. 

With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings

Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - Judges by Andrew Boling (20 pages); editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages. User reviews. (See also Boling's 380 page commentary on Judges the Anchor Bible Series)

Halley's Bible Handbook Henry H. Halley - (2000) 2720 pages (much larger than original edition in 1965 and no time limit on use). (Halley's Bible handbook : an abbreviated Bible commentary - one hour limit 1965 872 pages)

Rosscup - A much-used older evangelical handbook bringing together a brief commentary on Bible books, some key archaeological findings, historical background, maps, quotes, etc. It is helpful to a lay Bible teacher, Sunday School leader, or pastor looking for quick, pertinent information on a Bible book. This is the 72nd printing somewhat revised. Halley packed in much information. Unger’s is better overall, but that is not to say that Halley’s will not provide much help on basic information.

The Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook - Editor - Walter Elwell (1984) 408 pages.

"This hardback is small in size but packed full of content: Brief summaries of every book of the bible, cultural, archaeological and historical info, word definitions, pictures, maps and charts." Worth checking! 

The Lion handbook to the Bible - (1999) 822 pages. This resource is absolutely loaded with very nice color pictures and charts.

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W

Cyril Barber - This is a book of exceptional merit. Pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers will profit from its use. Wiersbe introduces each book of the NT, provides an outline, and then furnishes his readers with a chapter-by-chapter discussion of the contents. The homiletic style is a “plus.” Recommended.

Harper study Bible : the Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version

The Jewish Study Bible - Only OT - Interesting Jewish perspective.

The Student Bible : New International Version

Hebrew-Greek key word study Bible : New international version

Key word commentary : thoughts on every chapter of the Bible by Water, Mark

Eerdmans' Family Encyclopedia of the Bible (1978) 344 pages

Eerdmans' Handbook to the Bible (1983) 688 pages 

Tyndale Handbook of Bible charts & maps by Wilson, Neil  

Bible Handbook and A-Z bible encyclopedia

International Children's Bible field guide : answering kids' questions from Genesis to Revelation by Richards, Larry

The illustrated guide to Bible customs & curiosities by Knight, George W. (George William), 

Today's handbook of Bible times & customs by Coleman, William L

The new Unger's Bible dictionary by Unger, Merrill Frederick, 1909-

Nelson's illustrated encyclopedia of Bible facts by Packer, J. I. (James Innell); Tenney, Merrill C.

Survey of the Bible : introductory insights, background studies, book-by- book survey by Unger, Merrill Frederick

The parallel New Testament and Unger's Bible handbook : produced for Moody monthly by Unger, Merrill  (1975) 744 pages 4 ratings

The Hodder Bible handbook by Unger, Merrill 

Kregel Bible handbook : a full-color guide to every book of the Bible by Kerr, William 3 ratings

The new encyclopedia of Christian quotations by Water, Mark

New Testament words - William Barclay - very interesting resource - covers about 70 NT Greek words in Barclay's unique style

Zondervan handbook to the Bible

Dictionary of the later New Testament & its developments 71 ratings IVP Series

The third of IVP's critically acclaimed series of dictionaries of the New Testament provides focused study on the often-neglected portions of the New Testament: Acts, Hebrews, the General Epistles, and Revelation. Furthermore, its scope goes beyond the life of the New Testament church to include the work of the apostolic fathers and early Christianity up through the middle of the second century.

Dictionary of New Testament background 79 ratings IVP Series

 In a time when our knowledge of the ancient Mediterranean world has grown by leaps and bounds, this volume sets out for readers the wealth of Jewish and Greco-Roman background that should inform our reading and understanding of the New Testament and early Christianity. The Dictionary of New Testament Background takes full advantage of the flourishing study of the Dead Sea Scrolls and offers individual articles focused on the most important scrolls. In addition, the Dictionary encompasses the fullness of second-temple Jewish writings, whether pseudepigraphic, rabbinic, parables, proverbs, histories or inscriptions. Articles abound on aspects of Jewish life and thought, including family, purity, liturgy and messianism. The full scope of Greco-Roman culture is displayed in articles ranging across language and rhetoric, literacy and book culture, religion and cults, honor and shame, patronage and benefactors, travel and trade, intellectual movements and ideas, and ancient geographical perspectives. No other reference work presents so much in one place for students of the New Testament. Here an entire library of scholarship is made available in summary form. 

Dictionary of deities and demons in the Bible (DDD) - 950 pages (1995) Read some of the 65 ratings (4.8/5 Stars). A definitive in depth resource on this subject. Very expensive to purchase. 

WORD STUDY RESOURCES
GREEK AND HEBREW

NOTE - All of these resources can be borrowed from archive.org. This list also includes resources to help study the Bible. 

See also the list of Word Study Resources 

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament by Zodhiates, Spiros - This is my "go to" resource for Greek word studies. One on the best lexicons for laymen. Highly Recommended for Greek Word Studies to aid your interpretation of a passage. 

Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament by Friberg, Timothy. Shorter definitions than Zodhiates but does an excellent job in summarizing the various nuances of a specific Greek word. One of my favorites.

Shorter Lexicon of the Greek New Testament by Gingrich, F. Wilbur. Similar to Friberg but shorter definitions. Gingrich however gives more Scriptures for each nuance, whereas Friberg generally gives only one representative Scripture. 

The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament by Rogers, Cleon - This book is a gold mine of little gems on individual Greek words in any NT passage you are studying. If you have time it is always worth checking out! I use it in my Greek word studies all the time. 

The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology  (NIDNTT) - Colin Brown, general editor - all three volumes (total 3351 pages) are available and allow copy and paste and all 3 of the volumes below are available at the same link. See this page for a few instructions on how to most efficiently utilize this incredible resource. 

  1. The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (NIDNTT) - Colin Brown, general editor - A-F
  2. The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (NIDNTT) - Colin Brown, general editor - G-P
  3. The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology  (NIDNTT) - Colin Brown, general editor - Pri-Z

New Testament Words - William Barclay - 59 ratings very interesting resource - covers about 70 NT Greek words in Barclay's unique style. On page 289 there is a helpful index of English words with the corresponding Greek word, in turn followed by the places Barclay described them in New Testament Words and in his Daily Study Bible series (see list of DSB commentaries here). E.g., take the Greek word for "Covetousness" which is pleonexia and is found in New Testament Words on page 61 and pp 233-235 and is also described in the Daily Study Bible entries for : Mark 7:14-23; Ro 1:28-32; Eph. 4:17-24; Col. 3:5. So you can click the DSB commentary on Mark 7 and scroll down to Mark 7:14 to see Barclay's entry for pleonexia which concludes "Pleonexia ( G4124) is that lust for having which is in the heart of the man who sees happiness in things instead of in God." Interesting!

Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament : based on semantic domains - Louw Nida. Brief but nice definitions. Not easy to use - you need to know some Greek. Classifies Greek words into 93 "semantic domains" (see list on page XXV) and if you can categorize the word you are looking for in one of the domains, it can help find the specific word you are interested in. 

Robert Yost - “This lexicon takes a novel approach by outlining NT words into their semantic domains, such as People, Danger, Help, Value, Time, etc. The reader then has quick access to the synonyms of the NT, an important tool in defining words. Knowledge of Greek is necessary, but with concentrated effort, an English reader can learn to use this important resource” (Stout).

Kittel's Theological Dictionary of the New Testament : abridged in one volume (TDNT) - Classic ("Little Kittel") work summarizing the 10 volume set by Kittel. For most of us the abridged definition is "more than enough!" 

A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament, and other early Christian literature; by Bauer, W., F. Danker, W. Arndt, and F. W. Gingrich.  More detailed definitions but need to know Greek. Zodhiates and Friberg much easier to use. 

Robert Yost - This essential resource is the standard lexicon for students and scholars of the Greek NT. It is a translation and adaptation of Walter Bauer’s Griechisch-Deutsches Worterbuch zu den Schriften des Neuen Testaments und der ubrigen urchistlichen Literatur by Arndt and Gingrich and then updated by Danker. This meticulous work has superseded all previous English lexicons.

Liddell and Scott's Greek-English lexicon, abridged : the little Liddell by Liddell, Henry George. The abridged version. You need to know Greek to use.

Exegetical dictionary of the New Testament (Volume 1 - A thru E);  Exegetical dictionary of the New Testament (Volume 3- P thru ...) Volume 2 not available. I do not find this adds much to the easier to use resources like Zodhiates and Friberg. 

A pocket lexicon to the Greek New Testament by Souter, Alexander. Brief definitions. Need to know some Greek. Not that helpful. 

Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words - pdf. The old standby. You can also borrow Vine's complete expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words

Theological wordbook of the Old Testament by Harris, R. Laird - 229 ratings (5/5 Stars) One of the best OT lexicons for laymen.

Here is another link to the TWOT which has no time limit on use and does allow copy and paste. Can be downloaded as PDF. 

Hebrew honey : a simple and deep word study of the Old Testament by Novak, Alfons,  (332 pages) Indexed by English words. No Strong's numbers to help you determine if you are researching the correct Hebrew word. Here is a "work around" - go to page 289 and see if there is an annotation of the Scripture you are studying. E.g., say you want to see if there is anything for "heart" in Ezek 11:19. In the Scripture list find an entry for Ezek 11:19 with the English word "Heart." Now go look up "Heart" (on page 123). It does take some effort, but you might glean an insight not described in other Hebrew lexicons.

Nelson's Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament by Unger, Merrill. Indexed by English word and then any related Hebrew nouns or verbs. Definitions are solid and geared to the lay person. 

Zondervan NASB exhaustive concordance - 1589 pages

Pocket dictionary for the study of New Testament Greek by DeMoss, Matthew S. If you want to dig a little deeper into Greek. 66 ratings

Analytical concordance to the Holy Bible : containing about 311,000 references, subdivided under the Hebrew and Greek original with the literal meaning and pronunciation of each by Young, Robert,

The Englishman's Greek concordance of the New Testament by Wigram, George

Synonyms of the New Testament by Trench, Richard Chenevix - or click here for list of 108 entries. 

Girdlestone's Synonyms of the Old Testament - click for list of 127 entries

The Holman guide to interpreting the Bible by Dockery, David S

Foundations for biblical interpretation : a complete library of tools and resources

Expository Dictionary of Bible Words by Richards, Larry,  33 ratings It is does not go into great depth on the Greek or Hebrew words but does have some excellent insights. 

Basic Bible Interpretation : a Practical Guide to Discovering Biblical Truth by Roy Zuck. Recommended.

How to Study Your Bible by Arthur, Kay (CLICK HERE for many other resources from Kay Arthur). The basics of inductive Bible study succinctly described. Recommended. This is the original edition not the new edition.

Living by the Book by Howard G. Hendricks - A classic. An entertaining and informative read that is guaranteed to invigorate your Bible study. Recommended.

Teaching to Change Lives by Howard Hendricks, Howard 561 ratings

The Christian Educator's Handbook on Teaching by Kenneth Gangel and Howard Hendricks 21 ratings

How can I understand the Bible? by DeHaan, Mart (52 page booklet)

The New How to Study Your Bible Workbook (2010) by Arthur, Kay, - Note that this workbook is the companion to the New How to Study Your Bible book (not the same as the one linked above).

Jensen's Survey of Bible (online) by Jensen, Irving  140 ratings (NT) 133 ratings (OT) This is a classic and in conjunction with the following three resources should give you an excellent background to the Bible book you are studying. Jensen has some of the best Book charts available and includes "key words." He also gives you some guidelines as to how to begin your inductive study of each book. 

Discover the Bible for Yourself by Arthur, Kay 93 ratings - Proven methods to read, mark, and study God's Word. Introductions to set the stage for each book of the Bible. Maps and charts to add historic and geographic dimension. Word studies for NASB and NIV translations. Definitions and explanations to simplify interpretation. "Things to Think About" for personal application. This resource will inspire and guide anyone interested in creating a personal study of God's Word.

What the Bible is all about by Mears, Henrietta. This is a classic and is filled with "pearls" from this godly teacher of God's Word. 

Talk thru the bible by Wilkinson, Bruce  The Wilkinson & Boa Bible handbook : the ultimate guide to help you get more out of the Bible

How to profit from Bible reading by Jensen, Irving 2 ratings

Simply understanding the Bible by Jensen, Irving 8 ratings

Enjoy your Bible by Jensen, Irving 5 ratings

Independent Bible study by Jensen, Irving 14 ratings

MacArthur Study Bible - Topic "How to Study the Bible" - John MacArthur 

MacArthur's Introductions to all 66 Books - includes a helpful discussion of "Interpretative Challenges" 

Swindoll's introductions to all 66 Books - Answers the following questions - Who wrote the book? Where are we? Why is this book so important? What's the big idea? How do I apply this? He also includes a helpful Book Overview chart (right upper corner of page). 

How to Get the Most from God's Word by John MacArthur 16 ratings

Journey of the Bible : the remarkable story of how the Bible came from God to you by Jensen, Irving

MORE SERMONS AND 
COMMENTARIES

DANNY AKIN SERMONS

WILLIAM ALEXANDER

HENRY ALFORD

DON ANDERSON 1 JOHN STUDY

STEVE ANDREWS

ANONYMOUS

Spurgeon comments: "Upon two chapters only, but thoroughly good, and full of sweetness and light." (Commenting and Commentaries)

PAUL APPLE

See Paul's Apple's introduction for some well worded comments on the interpretative approach of Zane Hodges (et al) - Excerpt...

The bottom line is that from an interpretation standpoint, 1 John truly is about "tests of life" with the emphasis on this second track of assurance. From an application standpoint many of the pastoral concerns of Hodges (and others) are certainly helpful in terms of motivating believers to live in closer fellowship with the Father, abiding in a deeper sense, etc. Certainly we all benefit from applying to our lives those challenges that call us to love our brother, to separate from worldliness, to embrace the truth, to recognize error, to continue to confess our sin on an ongoing basis, etc. We can all improve in terms of drawing closer to God. But that is by way of application -- not interpretation. When you look at the contrasts presented in the epistle (between light and darkness, between life and death, between truth and error … read through the book on your own and make a list of these contrasts …) it is evident that these are black and white distinctions between believers and non-believers. John is presenting pass / fail tests that are designed to increase our level of assurance as believers. (Contra the interpretative approach of Zane Hodges) (Click for Paul's Apple's introduction)

JACK ARNOLD EXPOSITORY SERMONS

WAYNE BARBER

WILLIAM BARCLAY

ALBERT BARNES

CHARLES BAYLIS

BRIAN BELL - sermon notes

CHRIS BENFIELD SERMONS

JOHANN BENGEL

BIBLE.ORG RESOURCES

BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR

HUGH BINNING (1627-1653)

  • Spurgeon says this is "Milk for babes and meat for men; calls to backsliders and comforts for mourners." (Commenting and commentaries)

1 John - Fellowship with God (See list of 28 messages)

BRIAN BILL

JIM BOMKAMP

A E BROOKE

JOHN CALVIN

James Rosscup - Calvin was not only a great theologian but also a great expositor, and his insight into Scripture contributed to his grasp of doctrinal truth. His commentaries are deep in spiritual understanding, usually helpful on problem passages, and refreshing in a devotional sense to the really interested reader. He usually offers good help on a passage.

CAMBRIDGE GREEK TESTAMENT

JOHN CANDLISH

ALAN CARR

D A CARSON

  • Introduction to 1 John - "Virtually all sides agree that John lays down three tests: (1) true believers must believe that Jesus truly is the Christ come in the flesh, and this belief must work itself out in (2) righteousness and (3) love."
  • Five part series - Mp3's - 1 John 1 through 1 John 5:21

RICH CATHERS - HAS FREQUENT ILLUSTRATIONS

JOHN CEREGHIN - Baptist pastor

ADAM CLARKE

James Rosscup - This old, conservative Wesleyan Methodist work is good devotionally and aggressive for righteous living. Laypeople can find it still valuable today. It is Arminian in viewpoint and thus helpful, for example, in showing the reader how this approach deals with texts involving the eternal security question. The work contains much background material from many sources on all books of the Bible.

STEVEN COLE

HENRY COWLES

THOMAS CONSTABLE

W A CRISWELL

RON DANIEL

J N DARBY

GARY DERICKSON

DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS EPISTLE OF FIRST JOHN

DICTIONARY OF BIBLE THEMES MARTIN MANSER

Note: This resource is useful to help you with topics covered by the passage you are studying. Click the verse for the topics (examples listed for 1 John 1:1 - click on "1690 word of God" to see brief definition various aspects of the Word of God with Scriptural examples. Then you can either click the arrow to advance to the next verse or you can go to the top of the page in the dropdown window and select the specific verse or chapter you would like to study.

     1690   word of God
     2018   Christ, divinity
     2033   Christ, humanity
     2203   Christ, titles of
     4909   beginning
     5159   hearing
     5194   touch
     5624   witnesses, to Christ
     9110   after-life

JOHN DUMMELOW

J LIGON DUNCAN

E-CATENA

CHARLES ELLICOTT

James Rosscup - Though often scanty, the work edited by a brilliant scholar is sometimes very helpful. Ellicott was an Anglican bishop. The New Testament part is more valuable. The work dates back to 1897 and is verse by verse, consisting of 2,292 pp. Ellicott was an outstanding Anglican conservative scholar of the 19th century in England.

EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - William Alexander

EXPOSITOR'S DICTIONARY OF TEXTS

EXPOSITOR'S GREEK TESTAMENT - DAVID SMITH

RICK EZELL

G G FINDLAY

A C GAEBELEIN

Rosscup - This dispensationally oriented work is not verse-by-verse, but deals with the exposition on a broader scale, treating blocks of thought within the chapters.The author was a popular evangelical Bible teacher of the first part of the century, much like H. A. Ironside in his diligent but broad, practical expositions of Bible books. Gaebelein was premillennial and dispensational, and editor for many years of Our Hope Magazine.

ROBBY GALLATY

GENE GETZ - short videos discussing principles associated with the respective passages being studied.

  • 1 John 1:1-2; Proclaiming the Message of Salvation: Though we are among those who have not seen Jesus Christ, we are to proclaim the message of salvation based on the accounts of reliable eyewitnesses. Video
  • 1 John 1:3-4; The Deity of Jesus Christ: To have a right relationship with God and one another, we must have a correct view of the Lord Jesus Christ.Video
  • 1 John 1:5-2:2; Practicing the Truth: To have intimate fellowship with God, we must confess our sins and live in His will. Video

JOHN GILL

Rosscup - His commentary is evangelical, wrestles with texts, is often wordy and not to the point but with worthy things for the patient who follow the ponderous detail and fish out slowly what his interpretation of a text is.

BRUCE GOETTSCHE

GOSPEL COALITION

GOTQUESTIONS

L M GRANT

DAVID GUZIK - Brief well-done comments from a modern expositor

W. HALL HARRIS III

JAMES HASTINGS

NORMAN HARRISON

ROBERT HAWKER

MATTHEW HENRY

Rosscup - This evangelical work, devotional in character, has been in constant demand for about 280 years. Its insight into human problems is great, but it often does not deal adequately with problems in the text. The one-volume form eliminates the Biblical text and is thus less bulky. It has sold very well. The late Wilbur M. Smith, internationally noted Bible teacher, seminary professor and lover of books, tabbed this “The greatest devotional commentary ever written” (cover, I volume edition). Henry was born in a Welch farmhouse, studied law, and became a Presbyterian minister near London. He wrote this commentary in the last 13 years before he died at 52 in 1714. The first of six volumes was published in 1708. He completed through Acts, and the rest of the New Testament was done by 14 clergymen

D EDMOND HIEBERT

James Rosscup has the following note on Hiebert's book The Epistles of John An Expositional Commentary. Note that the links below are to Hiebert's articles in Bibliotheca Sacra which form the basis for his formal published work. Thus Rosscup writes that Hiebert's work "is one of the best medium-length (here 371-pp.) explanations that is serious and clear to deal with most key matters, not pass them by. Hiebert sees ways to have assurance of real salvation, and 1Jn 5:13 as a key for the whole epistle, not confining its focus to details in 1Jn 5:1-12 or 1Jn 5:11,12 (251–52). He views 1Jn 5:16 as a case of a saved person praying for another saved person who receives “life” in the sense of restoration and promotion of his spiritual welfare (260). He usually takes a stand on what a phrase means, gives reasons, and is plain. His comments in the main body, his extensive bibliography (351–60), and frequent footnote references to good sources all exemplify his earnest attempt to give readers light." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)

Cyril Barber (also referring to the book as does Rosscup) - Hiebert, a Mennonite NT scholar, delves into the letters of John to exact from them the truths that underscore the Christian life and find expression in the kind of walk that pleases the Lord. While he uses the text of the KJV for the benefit of his readers, he works from the original Greek text for his exposition, combining sound exegesis with devotional comments on the text. Here is a volume that is illustrative of the best evangelicalism has to offer. Recommended. (The Minister's Library, Volume 3)

F B HOLE

DAVID HOLWICK

H A IRONSIDE

James Rosscup - A famous Bible teacher much sought after a few decades back continues to minister after his departure, as A. C. Gaebelein, A. W. Pink, W. H. Griffith-Thomas and others. He is staunchly evangelical, showing good broad surveys based on diligent study, practical turns, even choice illustrations. In prophecy he is premillennial dispensational. 

IVP COMMENTARY - Marianne Meye Thompson

 

1 John 1

James Rosscup writes "A lucid 168-pp., crisp exposition with some application in a flow for popular, general use. In a number of verses the book helps, at others it frustrates due to passing by views and reasons, or lacks sufficient comments. Much generalizing leaves an impression that in order to be seen as saved one must live an ideally perfect life (cf. 43), yet at other points one reads that Christians sin (45). The work has a healthy clarity that real grace, distinct from cheap (see cheap grace) so-called (but not genuine) grace (51) elicits confession of sin and seeking obedience to God. Such a life with God helps one’s assurance to be a properly experienced reality, as in 1Jn 2:3 (51), even this by grace. Some statements are quite helpful, as “righteous conduct does not make us God’s children. Rather, such conduct is the consequence or expression of a relationship that already exists” after rebirth (87). Many issues are left in a blur, for instance “God’s seed remains” (1Jn 3:9)." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)

JAMIESON, FAUSSET, AND BROWN

Rosscup - This is a helpful old set of 1863 for laypeople and pastors to have because it usually comments at least to some degree on problems. Though terse, it provides something good on almost any passage, phrase by phrase and is to some degree critical in nature. It is evangelical. There is also a 1-volume edition, briefer at some points (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1961). Especially in its multi-volume form this is one of the old evangelical works that offers fairly solid though brief help on many verses. Spurgeon said, “It contains so great a variety of information that if a man had no other exposition he would find himself at no great loss if he possessed this and used it diligently” (Commenting and Commentaries, p. 3). Things have changed greatly since this assessment! It is primarily of help to pastors and lay people looking for quick, though usually somewhat knowledgeable treatments on verses.

S LEWIS JOHNSON - WELL DONE SERMONS FROM FORMER PROFESSOR AT DALLAS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

J HAMPTON KEATHLEY

WILLIAM KELLY

Hiebert's critique - Prints author's new translation. Twenty wordy lectures by a noted Plymouth Brethren scholar of the past century. Provides an important study of the text with numerous comments and illustrations of the religious scene from a perspective of intense loyalty to the Scriptures.

GUY KING

PAUL KRETZMANN- LUTHERAN PERSPECTIVE

LANGE COMMENTARY

Hiebert's critique - A full exposition with an abundance of doctrinal, ethical, and homiletical material added.

Rosscup - The treatments of books within this evangelical set vary in importance. Generally, one finds a wealth of detailed commentary, background, and some critical and exegetical notes. Often, however, there is much excess verbiage that does not help particularly. On the other hand, it usually has something to assist the expositor on problems and is a good general set for pastors and serious lay people though it is old.

ROBERT LAW

WILLIAM LAW

DAVID LEGGE - SERMONS

JOHN JAMES LIAS (1887)

Cyril Barber - One of the finest exegetical and expository works for preachers. Provides an excellent basis for a series of sermons. Deserves a place in the library of every minister and lay preacher. (The Minister's Library - Volume 2)

Hiebert's critique - A full, conservative exposition of 1 John by a British preacher and scholar. At the bottom of each page, in smaller type, is added a homiletical treatment of the epistle. (Nice addition!)

JOHN MACARTHUR - CONSERVATIVE, EVANGELICAL

IAN MACKERVOY

ALEXANDER MACLAREN Sermons on 1 John

Rosscup - This evangelical work is both homiletical and expository and is often very good homiletically but weaker otherwise. Helpful in discussing Bible characters, it is weak in prophecy at times because of allegorization. It is not really as valuable today as many other sets for the serious Bible student. The expositions are in the form of sermons.

HENRY MAHAN SERMONS & COMMENTARY FIRST JOHN

P G MATTHEW - well done sermons on 1 John

J VERNON MCGEE

BRYN MACPHAIL

F B MEYER (THROUGH THE BIBLE COMMENTARY)

HEINRICH MEYER - CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL COMMENTARY ON THE NEW TESTAMENT

MIDDLETOWN BIBLE

MONERGISM

G CAMPBELL MORGAN

James Rosscup - Morgan deals with the Bible chapter by chapter, with nearly 300 words on each. He devotes 400 pages to the Old Testament, 150 to the New Testament. It is a stimulating broad evangelical coverage of Scripture, if the reader is looking for synthesis rather than detail. Morgan was a master expositor in the early part of this century. Some of the effort is so general it is of little help except to those looking for sketchy treatment. It is evangelical and premillennial. Morgan is better in such works as The Crises of the Christ.

JAMES MORGAN (1866)

Spurgeon comments: "Dr. Candlish says that this is a work “of great practical interest and value,” and that had it appeared at an earlier date, “he might have abstained from issuing” his own Lectures on this Epistle. We are glad to possess both works." (Commenting and Commentaries)

ROB MORGAN

HENRY MORRIS DEFENDER'S STUDY BIBLE

AUGUSTUS NEANDER (1852)

Spurgeon says "Mrs. Conant (who translated it from German) in her preface says: “The treasures of genius and learning which enrich his more scientific works, here seem vivified by a new element, and melt, under the fervor of his inner spiritual life, into a glowing stream of eloquent practical instruction.” (Commenting and commentaries)The First Epistle of John, Practically Explained

ROBERT NEIGHBOR - WELLS OF LIVING WATER COMMENTARY

NET BIBLE NOTES

PHIL NEWTON

JAMES NISBET (CHURCH PULPIT COMMENTARY)

OUR DAILY BREAD Devotionals

JOSEPH PARKER

Rosscup: This work, later called Preaching Through the Bible (Baker Book House), is rich in its applications and exhortations, though often not particularly helpful for the reader who is looking for exposition that stays right with the text. Treatment of the texts is sermonic. (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An annotated bibliography of selected works)

PASTOR LIFE Sermons from Baptist pastors.

This site has completely changed their links. My suggestion is to do a search for the following titles. Here is an example of what you can try, using the following URL - site:https://pastorlife.com ""-- Now try the first title below in parentheses (""). Here is what it looks like - site:https://pastorlife.com "fourth love" - put this entire URL in the google search box, click search and you will retrieve that sermon. Try site:https://pastorlife.com "Biggest Little Word in the Bible" and you will retrieve that sermon. 

  • 1 John The Fourth Love - Franklin L. Kirksey
  • 1 John  1 The Biggest Little Word in the Bible J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  1 The Love of God Sacrifices Johnny Hunt
  • 1 John  1:1-10 Loaded With Privileges  Preston A. Taylor
  • 1 John  1:1-3  The Fellowship That Counts  Mark Bowers
  • 1 John  1:1-4  The Preoccupation of the Children of God  J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  1:1-4  That Your Joy May Be Full  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  1:1-4  The Word of Life  Gil McKee
  • 1 John  1:1-4  To Make Visible What Was Hidden  Johnny Hunt
  • 1 John  1:1-4  Confident Christianity  Mark Adams
  • 1 John  1:5-10  You Don't Say!   Gil McKee
  • 1 John  1:5-10  Whatever Happened To Sin?   Franklin L. Kirksey
  • 1 John  1:5-6  Walking in the Light  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  1:5-7 Walking In The Light   J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  1:6-7 The Power of the Blood of the Lamb  Johnny Hunt
  • 1 John  1:7  When We Walk In The Light  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  1:8-10  True Confession  Johnny L. Sanders
  • 1 John  1:8-10  What Can We Do About Our Sins?  J. Mike Minnix
  • 1 John  1:9  God Still Forgives Sin  David E. Owen
  • 1 John  1:9  Breaking Your Silence  Blake Carroll

PETER PETT

J C PHILPOT

SAMUEL EYLES PIERCE (1835)

Spurgeon says "This devout author was highly Calvinistic, but withal full of spiritual power and unction. He loved the deep things of God, and wrote upon them in a gracious manner.” (Commenting and commentaries)

JOHN PIPER

ALFRED PLUMMER - CAMBRIDGE GREEK TESTAMENT

MATTHEW POOLE English Annotations Commentary 1 John

POPULAR COMMENTARY 1 John William D Pope

WIL POUNDS

PREACHER'S HOMILETICAL

PRECEPT MINISTRIES

PULPIT COMMENTARY

  • 1 John 1 Expositional Commentary (scroll down for homilies)
  • 1 John 1:1-4 The Life
  • 1 John 1:1-4 The Apostle's Aim and Method
  • 1 John 1:5 The Message
  • 1 John 1:5 The Great Message
  • 1 John 1:5-10 Message from Christ Brought to Bear on Fellowship with God
  • 1 John 1:6, 7 The Conditions and Consequences of Fellowship with God
  • 1 John 1:6-10 "If...if:" which shall it be?
  • 1 John 1:8-10 Man's Attitude Towards His Own Sins

Rosscup - Many authors contributed to this work that had the aim of giving preachers material on introduction, verse by verse exposition, a section on homiletics, and a section of collected homilies (outlines, etc.) by various preachers, which can stimulate thought. It moves through one small section of Bible verses after another.

ROBERT RAYBURN

REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE STUDY NOTES 1 John 

GRANT RICHISON

Disclaimer: I do not agree with a number of Richison's comments. An example of one on 2Ti 2:12 in his First John Notes "A Christian is still a Christian even though he disowns the Lord." Read Jesus' words in Mt 10:33 and John's in 1 Jn 2:23+. Many of Richison's comments and applications are excellent, but just be sure you read them with a Berean mindset Acts 17:11+!

A T ROBERTSON

DON ROBINSON

ADRIAN ROGERS SERMONS

Click here to access the titles listed below - the Pdf has 417 pages of sermons on 1 John. Rogers is conservative, pithy and practical! He is one of the stellar expositors of the twentieth century. Highly recommended to aid your sermon and teaching preparation. Illustrations in green font.

  •   Reality—1 John 1:1–4
  •   The Sweetest Fellowship This Side of Heaven—1 John 1:1–6
  •   Membership Has Its Privileges—1 John 1:1–7
  •   A Formula for Fellowship—1 John 1:3–10
  •   The Cleansing of Sin in the Life of a Christian—1 John 1:3–10
  •   A Cleansed Life—1 John 1:3–2:2
  •   Things That Hinder Fellowship—1 John 1:5–2:6
  •   True Confessions—1 John 1:9

J C RYLE

ROB SALVATO

JOHNNY SANDERS 1 John Commentary

HENRY SAWTELLE (1888)

Hiebert's critique - A conservative interpretation by a Baptist scholar of the past century. Offers a careful unfolding of the original for the English reader. 84 pages but print small so in effect well over 100 pages compared to usual text size. Easy to follow verse by verse and phrase by phrase exposition.

SERMON BIBLE COMMENTARY

CHARLES SIMEON

HAMILTON SMITH

CHUCK SMITH

Note - On the links below, first select "Chuck Smith Sermon Notes." Then SELECT "1 John." Then SELECT specific note. 

DAVID SMITH

JAMES SMITH

  • Following are Available on 1 John Handfuls of Purpose
  • The Joyful Life 1 John 1:4 
  • The Firm Foundation Upon Which Rests The Divine Forgiveness 1 John 1:9 

DANIEL SNADDON - PLYMOUTH BRETHREN

SPEAKER'S COMMENTARY

R C SPROUL - Devotionals from Tabletalk

C H SPURGEON

CLAUDE STAUFFER FIRST JOHN SERMONS

RAY STEDMAN

JOHN STEVENSON

THIRD MILLENNIUM STUDY NOTES

JOHN STOCK (1865)

Spurgeon says "Written by a well-instructed man of God. For spiritual teaching the work is second to none. Dr. Candlish prized it greatly.” (Commenting and commentaries)

SAM STORMS

DAVID THOMPSON

TODAY IN THE WORD Devotionals from Moody Bible Institute First John

Note that there are more than 90 devotionals, all on one page and archived by chapter.

JOHN TRAPP

James Rosscup writes "This work has long been ranked by many as the best older effort on the Greek text. It is detailed, thorough, and very useful for its incisive, definitive statements on problem areas as well as grammatical matters (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works

BOB UTLEY

MARVIN VINCENT

DANIEL WALLACE

B F WESTCOTT

James Rosscup writes "This work has long been ranked by many as the best older effort on the Greek text. It is detailed, thorough, and very useful for its incisive, definitive statements on problem areas as well as grammatical matters (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works

DANIEL WHEDON

STEVE ZEISLER

SERMONS BY VERSE

Appropiating Faith Anon. 1 John 1:1-4
Christ the Revealer of God S. E. Pierce. 1 John 1:1-4
Contemplative Faith A. R. Fausset, M. A. 1 John 1:1-4
Fellowship with the Father J. M. Gibbon. 1 John 1:1-4
Introduction R. Finlayson 1 John 1:1-4
John's Testimony to Christ T. M. Herbert, M. A. 1 John 1:1-4
Obedient Hearing   1 John 1:1-4
The Apostle's Aim and Method W. Jones 1 John 1:1-4
The Apostles' Doctrine C. Stanford, D. D. 1 John 1:1-4
The Divine and Human in Christ   1 John 1:1-4
The Incarnation of Christ, Before and After Newman Smyth, D. D. 1 John 1:1-4
The Mystery of the Holy Incarnation Morgan Dix, D. D. 1 John 1:1-4
The Perfect Saviour D. C. Hughes, M. A. 1 John 1:1-4
The Preface to the First Epistle of John George G. Findlay, B. A. 1 John 1:1-4
The Realisation of Faith Dean Goulburn. 1 John 1:1-4
Witnesses of the Word of Life N. Hardy, D. D. 1 John 1:1-4
Christ the Life N. Hardy, D. D. 1 John 1:2
Christ the Manifestation of the Eternal J. T. Stannard. 1 John 1:2
The Eternal Life Manifested John Watson, M. A. 1 John 1:2
The Incarnate Life S. E. Pierce. 1 John 1:2
The Life of God Charles Kingsley 1 John 1:2
The Manifested Life N. Smyth, D. D. 1 John 1:2
The Manifested Life H. Boxcar, D. D. 1 John 1:2
The Manifested Life to be Observed Canon Gore, M. A. 1 John 1:2
The Only Life Worth Living E. A. Stuart, M. A. 1 John 1:2
An Influential Testimony The Railway Signal. 1 John 1:3
Believers' Communion with the Father and Son D. Clarkson, B. D. 1 John 1:3
Christian Fellowship J. Richard. 1 John 1:3
Communion with God H. W. Graham. 1 John 1:3
Experience Helpful to a Teacher W. M. Statham. 1 John 1:3
Fellowship C. Watson, D. D. 1 John 1:3
Fellowship S. E. Pierce. 1 John 1:3
Fellowship with God C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 1:3
Fellowship with God C. Bradley, M. A. 1 John 1:3
Fellowship with God H. Allon, D. D. 1 John 1:3
Fellowship with God J. C. Lees, D. D. 1 John 1:3
Fellowship with the Father and with the Son E. Payson, D. D. 1 John 1:3
God's Message to be Declared J. R. Miller, D. D. 1 John 1:3
On Communion with God A. Brunton, D. D. 1 John 1:3
That Ye Also May have Fellowship James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 1:3
The Argument from Experience J. Watson, M. A. 1 John 1:3
The Charm of Testimony Proctor's Gems of Thought 1 John 1:3
The Doctrine and Fellowship of the Apostles R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 1:3
The Gospel Ministry C. Talbot. 1 John 1:3
The Internal Basis of Christian Fellowship J. H. A. Ebrard. 1 John 1:3
The Nature of Communion G. Campbell. 1 John 1:3
The Testimony of the Beloved Disciple to the Person and Offices of Christ J. Hill, M. A. 1 John 1:3
Union and Communion with God the End and Design of the Gospel Hugh Binning 1 John 1:3
Fulness of Joy James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 1:4
Happiness Helpful to Holiness J. B. Figgis, M. A. 1 John 1:4
Joy Givers T. C. Cuyler. 1 John 1:4
Joy in Believing Homilist 1 John 1:4
Knowledge of Christ the Foundation of Joy C. Bradley. 1 John 1:4
Open the Heart to Joy T. C. Cuyler. 1 John 1:4
Our Happiness J. B. Figgis, M. A. 1 John 1:4
Religion a Joy James Stalker, D. D. 1 John 1:4
The Full Joy of Christian Fellowship N. Hardy, D. D. 1 John 1:4
The Joy of the Lord, and its Fulness R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 1:4
The Joyfulness of a Christian Life R. S. Storrs, D. D. 1 John 1:4
Light George MacDonald 1 John 1:5
The Great Message W. Jones 1 John 1:5
The Message and its Practical Results Alexander Maclaren 1 John 1:5
A Glorious Message W. Jay. 1 John 1:5-10
Communion with God J. Alexander. 1 John 1:5-10
Fellowship with God H. Thorne. 1 John 1:5-10
God is Light D. Smith. 1 John 1:5-10
God is Light The Evangelical Preacher 1 John 1:5-10
God is Tight J. P. Lilley, M. A 1 John 1:5-10
God the Satisfying Light W. Arthur. 1 John 1:5-10
Light and Darkness: Sin and Purification F. D. Maurice, M. A. 1 John 1:5-10
Light in the Hour of Darkness E. W. Bibb. 1 John 1:5-10
Light the Nature and Dwelling Place of God R. S. Candlish,D. D. 1 John 1:5-10
Message from Christ Brought to Bear on Fellowship with God R. Finlayson 1 John 1:5-10
No Darkness in God A. R. Fausset, M. A. 1 John 1:5-10
No Substitute for Light   1 John 1:5-10
The Child of Light Walking in Light C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 1:5-10
The Clergy God's Messengers E. Blencowe, M. A. 1 John 1:5-10
The Conditions of Divine Fellowship James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 1:5-10
The Perfect Light of God Dean Church. 1 John 1:5-10
The Right Way of Obtaining and Maintaining Communion with God M. Barker, M. A. 1 John 1:5-10
The Condition and Consequences of Fellowship with God W. Jones 1 John 1:6, 7
Children of Light Scientific Illustrations, etc 1 John 1:7
Christian Fellowship with God A. B. Bruce, D. D. 1 John 1:7
Cleanseth Frances R. Havergal. 1 John 1:7
Cleanseth from All Sin Bp. Westcott. 1 John 1:7
Cleansing Virtue of Christ's Blood Bp. Hacket. 1 John 1:7
Interrupted Fellowship Fellowship 1 John 1:7
The Atonement of Christ F. Spencer. 1 John 1:7
The Best Life the Product of the Bestlight   1 John 1:7
The Blood Expositor's Bible 1 John 1:7
The Christian Life a Walk J. P. Lilley, M. A. 1 John 1:7
The Cleansing Blood T. De Witt Talmage. 1 John 1:7
The Cleansing Blood J. Morgan, D. D. 1 John 1:7
The Efficacy of the Redeemer's Blood James Bromley. 1 John 1:7
The Evil and its Remedy C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 1:7
The Passion of Our Lord Our Cleansing Bp. A. P. Forbes. 1 John 1:7
The Supreme Importance of Moral Purity Homilist 1 John 1:7
Walking in the Light J. M. Ludlow, D. D. 1 John 1:7
Walking in the Light J. P. Lilley, M. A. 1 John 1:7
Walking in the Light and Washed in the Blood C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 1:7
The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death Andrew Lee et al 1 John 1:8
Assumptions of Sinlessness C. Moinet, M. D. 1 John 1:8-10
Compression of Sins and the Power of Absolution Bp. Sparrow. 1 John 1:8-10
Confession Dean Goulburn. 1 John 1:8-10
Confession of Sin F. W. P. Greenwood, D. D. 1 John 1:8-10
Confession of Sin H. Binning. 1 John 1:8-10
Confession of Sins the Sure Condition of Forgiveness and Cleansing J. J. Glen-Kippen. 1 John 1:8-10
Deceiving Ourselves Lyman Abbott. 1 John 1:8-10
Denial of Sin and Confession of Sin with Their Respective Consequences D. Clark. 1 John 1:8-10
Divine Forgiveness R. S. Storrs. 1 John 1:8-10
God's Justice in Forgiveness W. A. Whitworth, M. A. 1 John 1:8-10
God's Justice in Forgiveness K. Arvine. 1 John 1:8-10
Honest Confession Best H. W. Beecher. 1 John 1:8-10
Honest Dealing with God C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 1:8-10
Insincere Confession C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 1:8-10
Justice Satisfied C. H. Spurgeon. 1 John 1:8-10
Man's Attitude Towards His Own Sins W. Jones 1 John 1:8-10
Self-Delusion as to Our State Before God Prof. W. A. Butler. 1 John 1:8-10
Sins of Heart C. Stanford, D. D. 1 John 1:8-10
Spiritual Cleansing   1 John 1:8-10
The Conviction and Confession of Sin James Morgan, D. D. 1 John 1:8-10
The Heart Sinful R. McCheyne. 1 John 1:8-10
The Primary Condition of the Divine Fellowship Fulfilled in the Believing Compression of a Guileless Spirit R. S. Candlish, D. D. 1 John 1:8-10
The True Comfort W. A. Cornwall, M. A. 1 John 1:8-10
On Working Out Our Own Salvation John Wesley 1 John 1:9

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